Does Lantus Need to Be Refrigerated? 6 Tips for Storing Lantus

Lantus (insulin glargine) is a long-acting insulin for diabetes that comes in vials and prefilled SoloStar injection pens. When you pick up your Lantus prescription from the pharmacy, it will have been stored in the refrigerator. But you may be unsure where to keep it once you get home.

Every insulin product has storage instructions, and Lantus is no exception. And there are some slight differences between the Lantus vial and prefilled pen. Below are six tips for storing Lantus properly to ensure it’s safe and effective.

1. Unused Lantus pens and vials last until their expiration date if they’re stored in the refrigerator

Depending on your prescription, you may receive more than one Lantus vial or injection pen at a time. Keep your unused Lantus vials or pens in the refrigerator at 36℉ to 46℉. When stored this way, they’ll stay at full potency until their labeled expiration date.

When you’re ready to use the Lantus vial or pen, you can inject it right away or let it sit at room temperature to warm up. Injecting cold insulin may cause more stinging or burning, so your injection may be less painful if the insulin is closer to room temperature.

2. You can store unused Lantus pens and vials at room temperature, but they won’t last as long

If you keep your unused Lantus pens or vials at room temperature, they’ll be good for only 28 days. This is true even if the unused pen or vial has an expiration date that’s further out. Insulin is a protein that breaks down over time. It will become less effective if it has been stored at room temperature for more than 28 days.

If there’s insulin left in your Lantus pen or vial after 28 days, get rid of it. There’s a chance the insulin may have lost some potency and won’t manage your blood glucose (sugar) as well as a new pen or vial.

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3. Don’t store Lantus pens or vials in the freezer or use them if they’ve been frozen

Lantus pens and vials should never be frozen. And when you store them in the refrigerator, make sure they aren’t too close to the cooling element. If you’re traveling, place a barrier (such as a towel) between your insulin and any freezer packs being used to keep it cold.

Frozen insulin can form crystals that affect how well it works. This means the insulin may not lower your blood glucose as expected. When your blood glucose goes above your target range frequently or for a prolonged period of time, this can lead to long-term health complications.

If you think your Lantus vial or pen may have been frozen, don’t try to thaw it. Instead, throw it away and use a new pen or vial for your dose. This is also the case if you notice crystals or other particles floating in the insulin.

4. In-use Lantus pens should be stored at room temperature

In general, insulin should be stored in the refrigerator, but this isn’t always true. Once you’ve started using a Lantus pen, keep it at room temperature. Don’t put it back in the refrigerator.

After first use, a Lantus pen is good for up to 28 days. Mark the date of your first dose on your pen or calendar to keep track. Make sure you also check the temperature and date of any backup pens you have.

5. In-use Lantus vials can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature

Unlike Lantus pens, you have a choice on how to store Lantus vials once they’ve been opened. These may be placed in the refrigerator or kept at room temperature. A vial is considered opened once a needle has passed through the barrier.

In-use Lantus vials should be thrown away after 28 days. It may be helpful to mark the date of your first dose on the vial or a calendar so you know when to stop using it.

6. Keep your Lantus pens and vials away from direct heat and light

Lantus pens and vials aren’t safe to use if they’re left out in the sun or in a hot car. The heat can cause insulin to start breaking down, so it may not work as well. It’s also best to avoid storing Lantus in a bathroom cabinet, since temperature and humidity changes can also affect it.

Direct sunlight can also damage insulin. It’s best to keep your Lantus vial or pen stored in a cool, dark place that’s away from direct sunlight. And when you’re not using your Lantus pen, make sure to keep the cap on tight.

Avoid using a Lantus vial or pen if the insulin looks discolored, contains particles, or looks different than it usually does.

Pharmacist tip: If you’re traveling by car, consider placing your Lantus pen or vial in a small travel cooler to keep it cold. Remember that it shouldn’t directly touch an ice pack.

What should you do if your Lantus pen or vial is exposed to heat?

It’s best to throw away Lantus pens or vials that have been exposed to heat, especially at temperatures higher than 86℉. But if you’re unsure if your insulin is safe to use, ask your pharmacist for guidance. Take note of how long it has been in direct heat, since this may affect whether you can continue using it.

Storing Lantus biosimilars

Lantus doesn’t have generics. Instead, it has biosimilars — insulins that are highly similar (but not identical) to Lantus.

Semglee (insulin glargine-yfgn) and Rezvoglar (insulin glargine-aglr) are two FDA-approved Lantus biosimilars. An unbranded version of Lantus, called insulin glargine, is also available. While not technically biosimilars, Basaglar, Toujeo, and Toujeo Max are other insulin glargine insulin options.

Lantus biosimilars, Basaglar, and unbranded insulin glargine are all stored the same way as brand-name Lantus. Toujeo has slightly different storage recommendations.